Josh McRoberts spent a very short time with the Los Angeles Lakers, being traded away for a bigger prize after his first season with the team. He did not receive much playing time, but quickly became known as a hard-nosed, tenacious big man.

McRoberts has continually improved his game, and now has an option to opt out of his contract with the Charlotte Hornets and enter free agency. The Lakers need a player willing to do anything to help the team, and McRoberts would fit nicely with the new direction the organization is hoping to go in.

McRoberts earned a starting position last year, and filled his role perfectly. He is very skilled for a big man, and is versatile on the offensive side of the court. He can hit open shots, and is aggressive in attacking the basket. He is a very good passer and has surprising ball-handling skills. McRoberts is very intelligent and understands how to play unselfish basketball, whether it is setting a pick to help a teammate get open, or making the extra pass to keep the defense moving.

Defensively, he is quicker and more active than most big men. He does a good job at hedging out on picks and rotates well off of the ball. He is not afraid to get physical and take hard fouls if need be. He displays great hustle and work ethic, and is the type of lunch-pail player that the Lakers need on that end of the court.

The Lakers will be looking to improve their team this summer, and McRoberts has much to offer them. He will not be commanding the money of a star player, so the organization should be able to afford him. Last year, the team had too many players playing for future contracts, and not enough focused on doing what was necessary to win games. McRoberts will bring the right attitude, and will add toughness to the Lakers’ roster.